Terps Hit the Field for Day Two of Preseason Camp

The Maryland football team took the field for its second full practice of the 2014 preseason on a hot, muggy Tuesday afternoon at the on-campus practice facility.

After shaking off the cobwebs in their opening practice on Monday, the Terps looked sharp as they continued to install the basic packages on offense and defense. For senior linebacker Yannik Cudjoe-Virgil, it was another step in his road back from a season ending injury last year.

“It was a long process that definitely required a lot of patience,” said Cudjoe-Virgil. “I’m always the kind of guy that wants it. It was a blessing in disguise and I’m excited to be out here. I feel really good.”

Cudjoe-Virgil will pair with namesake Yannick Ngakoue and a talented group of linebackers to give the Terps a lot of depth at the position. Head coach Randy Edsall has been impressed with the Yannik-Yannick connection.

“I think that Cudjoe has a little more experience and knows how to watch film and study tape; all those things,” said Edsall. “He’s (Ngakoue) still learning how to play the game. Having a guy like Cudjoe ahead of him and being able to teach him and for him to be able to watch how Cudjoe goes about his business. Cudjoe is a great mentor and teacher for Yannick.”

On the offensive side of the ball, the Terps offensive linemen continued to gel as a unit in their second day of work. Senior center Sal Conaboy sees the unit progressing nicely as they prepare to protect quarterback C.J. Brown and open holes for a multitude of talented Terrapin running backs.

“For the second day I think this group has put forth some great effort,” Conaboy said. “Our focus isn’t where it needs to be yet, but that will come with coming together as a group more. But guys are working hard and really getting after it so far.”

The offensive line’s work came to fruition on the field when C.J. Brown scampered through a giant hole on a draw play to score a touchdown for the offense during 11-on-11 drills.

“What’re really doing for two and half weeks is really just focusing on who we are and what we can become,” Edsall said. “For us as coaches to find out who are the guys that we feel can contribute and give us the best opportunity to win. That’s what we need to find out in these next two and a half weeks.”